Harold Gish

1926 - 2025

Harold Eugene Gish, son of Ilden and Vivian (Marconett) Gish, was born September 24, 1926, in Modesto, CA. He passed away December 28, 2025, early in the morning at his home in rural north Pasco, WA. He was 99 years, 3 months, 4 days old when he departed this life for eternity.

Dad accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age of 14 yrs old, becoming a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. He was married to Mae Catherine Garber, of Dayton, Ohio, on August 28, 1948 and lived most of their lives in Modesto where they were blessed with three children.

In 1981, Dad and Mom were the second family to move to Pasco, WA from their Modesto Church district, a move they never regretted.

Dad started out farming in California as a young man with his father and they trucked farm commodities locally. He soon bought his own truck after they were married, and that was the beginning of his trucking career. He tried other jobs as a young married father, including selling trucks in Modesto, construction work, and several years working for the US Postal service. Dad always ended up back behind the steering wheel, either driving for others, or driving as an owner operator. He sold his last truck and gave up cross country hauling, at age 73, due to some health issues, but soon went to work for Enterprise car rentals, delivering vehicles around the state of Washington, and retired at age 91.

Dad made many friends and helped many along the way. He believed in hard work to support his family, which he did generously. Dad never met a stranger and loved to share his faith in the Lord Jesus with whomever would listen. He had a big, warm, engaging smile.

Dad was a wonderful husband and father who taught us the meaning of love by example.

He loved God, his immediate family, his church family, and the body of Christ worldwide. He had a Christian school named after him: Gish International in Makeni, Sierra Leone, West Africa, where 500 students will continue to honor him.

Dad had many bouts with health issues starting in his early '70's, but he always came back fighting against adversity and counting his blessings. His knees started giving out soon after he retired in 2013, but Dad kept on getting up every day until he literally couldn't stand anymore. He was bedfast for only 10 days, with his mind still good for his age, until he peacefully passed on to Heaven. His wife Mae, 101 yrs old, and his children were by his side. Dad and Mom had over 77 years of marriage together, loving God and each other and showed it to the very end of Dad's life.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Mae; his children: Fred and Carol (Johnson) Bauman Gish, Christine Gish, Catherine and Keith Bowser; 12 grandchildren and their 8 spouses; 28 grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Eva Boone and Janet Garber; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his dear parents, Ilden and Vivian, a baby brother Curtis who sadly drowned at 9 months, and his sisters and brother-in-law's, Marleta and Roger Haney, Charlene and Carroll Kessler, and three of their sons at early ages. Also, his wife's parents, Leroy and Cleo (Balsbaugh) Garber; all of his brother in-laws and sister-in-law's and their spouses on his wife's side, except Eva and Janet. All of his uncles and aunts and most of his cousins and peers preceded him in death.

He is deeply missed and will always be remembered with love.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Ps116:15.

Public visitation is planned for Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service is planned for Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside Service. All events will be held at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church - New Conference (4101 Dogwood Rd, Pasco, WA).

Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com.